Warren D. Tessmer, a Wausau, Wisconsin native, describes his Air Force service with the 8th Air Force during World War II and the 343rd Bombardment Squadron during the Korean War. Tessmer speaks of getting his parents' permission to enlist during high school in 1942, basic training at Fort Sheridan, gunnery school, being wounded in the ball turret of a B-17 during a mission over Germany, being in the hospital when his crew was shot down, and training on B-29s until the war ended. After the Korean War started, he tells of being recalled to active duty and training with B-29s at Spokane (Washington). Tessmer mentions that he was the youngest guy on his airplane crew during World War II and one of the oldest during the Korean War. Assigned to the 98th Bomb Group, 343rd Bomb Squadron in Japan, he describes his flight overseas on a civilian plane. Tessmer contrasts the small flight formations in Korea with the large number of bombers and fighter cover during World War II. He comments on not being allowed to cross the Yalu River or bomb the Chinese base in Antung (Manchuria). Tessmer addresses the number of planes that got shot down, dropping air bursting bombs during night missions, duty as the Central Fire Control Operator, and the difficulty the computer system had with firing at jets. He details the condition of his airplane and purposely burning out the rusty barrels so they would be replaced. Tessmer compares and contrasts the B-17 and B-29 aircraft, stating that he'd chose the B-17 as a stronger airplane but that the B-29 was more comfortable. Based in Japan, he talks about bomb missions over North Korea, dropping propaganda leaflets over cities, and limited anti-aircraft fire. Tessmer details a mission when a wing was set on fire, being unwilling to bail out over North Korea, making an emergency landing at Pusan, and sharing his post-mission alcohol with some infantrymen who were going on R & R. He contrasts the mission objectives during World War II and the Korean War, stating North Korean targets were harder to find since they didn't have concentrated areas of industry. Tessmer describes his mental state during missions and how it changed over time. He talks about typical mission damage, use of safety belts, cooperation between the crew gunners, and debriefing. During World War II, he recalls his pilot used to shoot a .45 automatic pistol out the window at German planes. Tessmer talks about duty as a ball turret gunner, standard operating procedure, and working in a pressurized compartment. When on the ground, he mentions going to ground school, cleaning the plane, and R & R in Nikko and Karasawa (Japan). He talks about being on the wing lead crew. Tessmer mentions the presence of Japanese women, American wives of military personnel, and the Women's Army Corps. He touches on communicating with his brother, who was also in the service, and recent efforts to provide phone cards to troops. Tessmer talks about his homecoming from Korea after his one-year commitment expired. He analyzes the political nature of the Korean War and the lack of fanfare Korean veterans expected at their homecoming. He explains the lack of formality between the crew and mentions occasionally switching uniforms during nights out on the town. During World War II, Tessmer details getting wounded over Pfaffenhofen (Germany) by shrapnel, and he tells the fate of his crew, who were shot down the day after Tessmer was wounded and either killed or taken as prisoners of war.
